By Craig Dobson Surfacing too slow,knowing he hasn’t made it, the boy blows his last gasp, parting the water above, filling his open mouth not with drowningbut his own dead breath,before the air’s sweet ease is his again.Though now he knows nothing lives beyond, and nothing this side can show more than binds him to … Continue reading Element
Zinc
By Jim Bates The head of Parks and Recreation, Fred Nicoletti, extended his hat. “Good luck, kid, he winked. “You’re going to need it.” Nothing like a little intimidation to add to my already jangling nerves. I was standing on the north beach of Lake Harriet, getting ready for my final test. I’d passed the … Continue reading Zinc
Strontium
By Jim Bates Sandra Mason was a studious girl who took life seriously, much to the joy of her father, Wallace, a physics teacher at the University of Minnesota. “I’m so proud of Sandy,” he said, coming down the stairs after telling his seven-year-old daughter good night. “She’s just like I used to be at … Continue reading Strontium
Academy of the Heart And Mind 